News

Cases associated with marijuana and methamphetamine were the most common drug-related incidents handled by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department in 2015. Led by Sheriff Brad Balk and aided largely by Captain Jason Bingaman, the department’s annual report was presented to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. The report featured an assortment of statistics related to crime, narcotics …

Indiana Michigan Power has announced it is conducting proactive inspections of poles in areas throughout its service territory in both states. I&M has contracted with GeoForce, a company licensed and experienced in pole inspection, to visually examine the poles. In some cases, the inspection process also involves minor digging at the base of the poles and treatment of the wood, …

The Constantine board of education has approved hiring Jessica Barth as the school’s new athletic director. Barth is currently the principal at Eastside Elementary School in Constantine and succeeds longtime AD Mike Messner, who is retiring at the end of the school year. The action was taken during Monday’s school board meeting.

Remnants of methamphetamine labs have been found in the past two weeks on roadsides in Branch County. The Daily Reporter of Coldwater reported Monday that two certified meth disposal officers have been called on to remove 15 meth labs. Sheriff John Pollack says people should be suspicious before picking up bottles that are found, and to leave them alone if …

The sheriff’s department’s annual report tops the agenda for today’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. Other matters appearing before the commission include an equalization report, a request from animal control for a fundraiser and four remonumentation contracts. Commissioners meet at 5 o’clock in the third-floor commissioners’ room at the county courthouse.

Florence Township Supervisor Gordon Evilsizor has stepped up his crusade in support of funding to improve the condition of Constantine Road. Evilsizor last week purchased four campaign signs and placed them at various points along the north-south route. The signs read: “Sorry! County commissioners feel it’s a bad investment to fix this rough road with your tax dollars.” He said …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman wishes to inform local businesses about numerous, recent reports of counterfeit bills attempting to be used for payment. Bringman in a department media release said the issue has become prevalent over the past few weeks, during which retail employees have refused what appeared to be fake $100 and $20 bills. Still, Bringman reminded that …

A 74-year-old Lockport Township woman was hospitalized for shortness of breath after a vehicle driven by an alleged drunken driver crashed into her house last week. State police said troopers were dispatched around 1:30 p.m. Friday to the 18000 block of South River Road regarding a vehicle that had crashed into the side of a residence. Investigators determined a 36-year-old …

A survivor of a series of shootings in southwestern Michigan has been honored at a church with prayer, praise and $19,200. Tiana Carruthers cried as she appeared in a wheelchair Sunday at Galilee Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. WOOD-TV says she called them “tears of joy.” Carruthers was one of two people who survived the shootings in the Kalamazoo area on …

Spring turkey hunting season is opening Monday in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says licenses are available to hunt during one of several turkey seasons in April and May. Spring turkey hunting licenses cost $15 and are available anywhere DNR licenses are sold or online. A Hunt 234 license offers 30 days of hunting in May. The Spring …